In addition to details posted last month by Apple on how 3G data service will be managed on Wi-Fi + 3G iPad models due for launch this Friday, AT&T has now published a fact sheet (PDF) offering additional information on iPad data service.

​

AT&T notes that its "monthly" domestic service plans actually consist of 30-day cycles that will automatically renew unless the customer elects to cancel his or her contract-free service.

Customers who reach their data limit for a billing cycle can either wait until the end of the 30-day cycle when it automatically renews or change to an unlimited plan, which will begin a new 30-day cycle at that time.

You do not switch from a 250MB to Unlimited Data by only paying another $15 when your 250 MB runs out. If you opted to pay only another $15 you only start another 250MB data plan. If you blow through that in a couple of weeks you will have ended up spending $30 for only a half gigabyte of data when you could have had UNLIMITED for the same amount of money in a four week period.

Looks like it will just stop, and prompt you to upgrade. And, an upgrade starts a new 30 day period, so if you blow the 250 limit in the first two weeks, then upgrade, you'll get the unlimited for 30 days, not just the remaining time in your initial "month".

Looks like it will just stop, and prompt you to upgrade. And, an upgrade starts a new 30 day period, so if you blow the 250 limit in the first two weeks, then upgrade, you'll get the unlimited for 30 days, not just the remaining time in your initial "month".

Click to expand...

Lets be perfectly clear. If you blow through 250MB data by the fifteenth and renew by paying $30 you have started a new 30 day cycle of UNLIMITED DATA that runs until the fifteenth of the next month.
This replaced your 250MB cycle.

If you renew for only another $15 you will start a new 250MB cycle which runs until the fifteenth of the following month and then it auto renews.

YOU MUST OPT OUT TO AVOID FUTURE CHARGES.

That was the point of starting this new thread - NO SURPRISES - NO PAIN.

I keep looking for the fine print (I'm paranoid). If you hit the 250mb limit does the 3G just stop sending/receiving or do they charge you an overage fee; like $1/MB?

Click to expand...

"The PDF goes on to say that you'll receive a total of three warnings when your approaching the end of your monthly 250MB allotment: one when you've got 20 percent of your 250MB allowance left, a second at 10 percent, and a third when you've run out.

"If you do hit the monthly limit, your service plan will simply expire, AT&T says; no need to worry about overage charges. Of course, that also means you won't be able to surf via AT&T's 3G network until you pony up for another monthly bucket of 250MB â€” either that, or $30 for the unlimited monthly plan."

This is the only plan AT&T has that means UNLIMITED DATA, no overage charges.

Your iPhone plan with AT&T can go over the 5GB limit and you will face additional charges. This is why tethering to an iPhone is a bad idea if AT&T wants to clamp down on data usage.

T-Mobile started offering UNLIMITED 3G data today but I am not clear how you can qualify for it.
My guess this move was to take on AT&T's iPad plan. I think TMOs's plan is a contract.

SPRINT offers UNLIMITED 4G data but their 4G modem can and does fall back to 3G. Sprint customers have gotten some horrific data bills when they thought they were good for unlimited 4G data. It is in the fine print with Sprint.

As far as it goes, it is suppose to be unlimited, but if that gets abused, I am sure they will amend the rules. As far as the choices of services, it depends on the indiviual which is needed, If you have good service and use it a lot, you want the unlimited. If your use is sporatic, it may pay to try the 250mb. And be aware that there is a counter on your iPad that keeps track of the usage, so you would not be left being cut off unexpectedly.

As far as it goes, it is suppose to be unlimited, but if that gets abused, I am sure they will amend the rules. As far as the choices of services, it depends on the indiviual which is needed, If you have good service and use it a lot, you want the unlimited. If your use is sporatic, it may pay to try the 250mb. And be aware that there is a counter on your iPad that keeps track of the usage, so you would not be left being cut off unexpectedly.

Click to expand...

Good thinking. If you plan to stream video the UNLIMITED 3G is the way to go. Casual surfing and email should be fine with $15.

Remember you do not have to subscribe to any
3G data if you do not need any or want any,

Useful Searches

About iPadForums.net

iPadForums.net is a community dedicated to the Apple iPad. We discuss various topics including iPad Help, iPad Reviews, iPad Apps, iPad Accessories (such as iPad Keyboards, iPad Cases, iPad Covers), iPad Games and more.

iPadForums.net is not affiliated with Apple. We are an enthusiast site dedicated to everything Apple iPad (iPad 1 and iPad 2)